Health literacy in orthopaedic lower limb trauma patients: A cross-sectional survey study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate orthopaedic lower limb trauma patients' comprehension regarding the affected bone, the surgical implant used, and postoperative instructions, and to evaluate the relationship between sociodemographic features and health literacy. HYPOTHESIS: There is a relationship between health literacy levels, the medical awareness of orthopaedic trauma patients and sociodemographic characteristics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cross-sectional survey study was conducted from June to September 2021 in the orthopaedic clinic of a level 1 trauma centre. The study group consisted of 225 patients with a surgically treated unilateral lower limb fracture. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts: (1) sociodemographic information, (2) knowledge about ongoing orthopaedic treatment, and (3) 16-item version of The European Health Literacy Survey (HLS-EU-Q16). RESULTS: Of the patients in the study, 46% were not aware that they were using thromboembolism prophylaxis, and 10% did not use the prophylaxis. More than half of the patients did not know which bone was fractured, three-quarters did not know what type of implant had been used for the fracture fixation, and approximately 90% of the patients did not know their weight-bearing status and the expected healing time after surgery. Inadequacy of HLS-EU-Q16 score with a median of 34.4, (range, 0-50) was 38.7% (n=87). DISCUSSION: Orthopaedic lower limb trauma patients demonstrated inadequate health literacy with low comprehension of their injuries, surgeries, and discharge schemes. This study's results show the need to promote more effective communication between orthopaedic trauma patients and healthcare providers. Identifying inadequate health literacy in patients and developing appropriate interventions before discharge may help improve outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; cross sectional.

A Comparison Quality of Life of Children of Seasonal Agricultural Workers and Local Residents in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Children of seasonal agricultural workers (SAW) live in the worst conditions of agricultural labor and, consequently, face many health risks. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of these children. This study aimed to compare the QoL between children of SAW and local residents in semi-rural areas of Eskisehir, Turkey, and determine the factors affecting them. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we included children of SAW living in temporary camp areas and those of local residents visiting the Family Health Center close to the camp areas. Basic sociodemographic data collection forms and the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) scale were employed for data collection. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine factors that had a significant effect on the QoL. RESULTS: We included 324 children of SAW and 256 local children. As per the multivariate analysis, QoL was lower in children aged between 8 and 12 years, with physician-diagnosed chronic diseases, and children of SAW. Also, there was no significant association between gender, parental education levels, family income, number of siblings, school attendance status, and QoL level. CONCLUSION: The QoL of children of SAW families was significantly lower than their peer local children. Therefore, the appropriate authorities must prioritize the planning and implementation of health services for SAW families.

Psychosocial Status of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the depression, anxiety, and stress levels of healthcare workers (HCWs) working actively in different health services during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Ankara at the Provincial Health Directorate Numune Campus between January and April 2022. The depression, anxiety, and stress levels of HCWs working actively in different health services during the pandemic were evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Results: The study included 381 healthcare workers, 272 (71.4%) of whom were female. The mean age was 40.0±9.9 (21-63) years, and 44.9% (n=171) of the HCWs had a COVID-19 infection at some point. While 28.6% of HCWs needed psychological support before the pandemic, the rate increased to 36.2% during the pandemic (p<0.001). DASS-21 results showed that the frequency of depression was 31.0%, anxiety 47.2%, and stress 22.8% among participants during the pandemic. Conclusion: One out of three HCWs reported experiencing mental health problems. It is essential to improve the working conditions of HCWs to help them cope with the effects of the pandemic on their mental health and to provide psychosocial support.